Kameron Brook's Blog

Beyond the Veil by Jessica Majzner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Throughout the years, I have watched many movies/shows that focused on vampires and werewolves. I’ve also read my share of books centering on them. With all of them, they share one common denominator…..not all “creatures” want the curse bestowed upon them.

Within every faction, wolf or vamp, there was some who fight the pull of the beast within and those who embraced the darkness. Beyond the Veil was no exception to the rule. It had werewolves, vamps, and humans who loved the thrill of the kill and ones who fought for peace instead of death and carnage.

I will say this, the battles between the humans and wolves were brutal – bloody – and everything you’d expect in a scifi (paranormal fantasy) book. The true form of the wolf alone will stand out in your mind as the one of the best shifting scenes in any written form. They are not the beautiful beasts depicted in famous tv shows. They are not even Hallmark card worthy. In my opinion, Jessica’s twist to a well-known shifter was a welcomed change to the norm. She brought fresh life into something gone stale. Good job!

As you can tell, I absolutely enjoyed the story except for two smalls thing……Anesa’s quick end and the final moments of Part II (no spoilers).

Anesa: As I watched her fight the vamps in chapter 1 and meet her end, I wondered why Jessica didn’t extend her role a few more chapters. I’d been happy for a flashback or two regarding her training Natalya. Based off Anesa’s combat skills, it would’ve been nice for Natalya to recall times with the fortune teller as they were laying her to rest or at other times Natayla remembered the wise, old woman.
However, despite my need for more Anesa and the predicable plot twist in Part II, Beyond the Veil didn’t disappoint and I’m sure it won’t for you either.

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Twist Of Faith by Darlene Fredette

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

First I'd like to start off this review by stating don't read this book on an empty stomach. The characters were always talking about food, eating food, and (because of this) my stomach was rumbling nonstop. No joke. :)

Ok enough about that, now onto the critique.........

Most people dream about being swept off their feet. Nick did just that for Katrina --- LITERALLY. He saved her from harm in a construction zone. He then, not so politely, informed her about the importance about proper work attire -- aka a hard hat which BTW he bestowed upon her as a gift later on. Sweet and surprisingly romantic gesture.

He continued to be quite the sweet, loving man even after encountering a bombshell regarding Katrina. Heck, he stood by her while she was dealing with a life changer of her own.

An all their ups and downs wouldn't have been possible without dear ole' Gram. A woman with a heart of gold but harboring life-altering secrets of her own.

HEA

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Claudia and the Lords of Peterborough by Adam Mann

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Based off the well-written blurb, I had a vastly different impression of the story I was about to read. Claudia and Ben only shared ONE KISS before she suddenly found herself enthralled with his brother, William. Ten years later, Ben returns home to claim his title of the new Earl and they give a relationship another try.

For a setup like that, I expected more bumps in the road before marriage and a promise of future babies. Wouldn’t you? But no, there wasn’t any of that. Everyone was on board with their relationship. No hiccups whatsoever that she was once married to his (deceased) brother.

I find that odd. Another thing I found odd was some of the wording and topics discussed or described.

1.) “Could you put that inside me?” (referring to his penis)
2.) The paragraph detailing the process of using a diaphragm.
3.) Claudia informing Ben he couldn’t kiss her vagina because “There’s spermicide all over it.” That’s not sexy. The image Adam planted in my mind was just ewwwww. *shuddering*
4.) I didn’t need the image of a “cervix excreting a slimy liquid” either.

IMHO, I think this book could’ve benefited with more discussion on his time in the Congo and/or maybe the apparent adjustments he must’ve experienced when leaving the Médecins Sans Frontières, otherwise known as Doctors Without Borders. That would’ve captured and held my interest. That’s the story I think readers will crave.

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At This Stage by K.K. Weil

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Losing a parent at any age is painful. For a time, you simple go through the motions. On the positive, you might have family to lend you a shoulder to cry on. In this case, Kaitlyn didn't have the luxury of any relatives. No, she had Jackson -- friend of her mothers and, in a way, a friend to her as well.

This friendship remained platonic until she was almost 18. They shared one kiss but he stopped it. He needed to keep her in the friend zone due to her age and their situation. I can respect that.

Now, when she's a bit older, their friendship blossoms into something more (for both parties). However, they don't actually consummate the relationship until she's twenty.

I think it was wise - the waiting.

She needed to grow up.

He needed her to grow up.

People seem to forget sex IS a big deal. Heck, sex at any age is a big deal but sometimes more so in teen years.

Plus, for me, I don't think this story would've had such an impact if Jackson or K would've overlooked the age factor and let hormones take hold.

When Jackson does finally come clean regarding his love for her, the romantic gesture had a bigger effect on Kaitlyn than me. 1.) I saw it coming from a mile away. 2.) Am not one of K. K. fictional characters; therefore, she couldn't write me as a weepy, shocked, and blissfully happy mess. Thank goodness, too, because I am an ugly crier.

Also, there was no shock who was Kaitlyn's father. With that in mind, I did love her backbone when she decided to confront him.

Girl really had no fear. :)

3.5 stars - (see more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)



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Storm Front by D.L. Robinson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


2.5 stars - (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

After finishing Storm Front, I was divided if I liked it or not. It had some high points such as the pulse pounding action in chapter 1-5. Through these chapters, the reader will ride shotgun to car crashes, gun battles, a kidnapping, and a break-in.

However, with that said, the story becomes a bit stagnant when Givanni and Loriel venture to Italy under the pretense they are in a relationship. It's no wonder his family isn't buying the bull they're attempting to sell. He spends little time with her and doesn't act like a man in love. Basically, he treats her like a friend --- at times more like an acquaintance. I think that's why Loriel was stunned speechless when Van admitted he was in love with her in the final chapter.

Despite the humdrum of chapter 7-14, things do pick back up in chapter 15.

I would like to say Storm Front ended with everything resolved but that's not the case. D.L. told me plans are in the works for this to become a series and, with a confusing ending, I can see why a second book is highly needed.

As for Van and Loriel, girl you should have went for Max. He is such a doll and a more likable character.

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Destiny Series Five Novelettes With A Twist by Casi McLean

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


(request submitted by author for an honest critique)

1) Destiny: This supernatural short story wasn't exactly spooky but it had a very precious ending.
2) The Gift: I concur with the message in this tale - "It's the people in life that matter, not the things." No truer words have ever been spoken.
3) After Midnight: I don't blame Sabrina for wanting to stay in her "dream world". Aidan (dream guy) was a million times more the man than Derek (real world man). Aidan was loving, sweet, a true doll. Derek, on the other hand, was a despicable man who lied, cheated, and threatened her life. Dream vs reality ---> Pretty easy choice!!
4) Convergent: This tale would've made an excellent episode for the Twilight Zone!!
5) The Pegasus Chronicle: Another quick, magical read about lovers overcoming unworldly obstacles and finding each other again.

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My Big Fat Demon Slayer Wedding by Angie Fox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Since I didn't feel like I could discuss my thoughts on this installment without disclosing any surprises, I decided to share the guest list instead.

Here goes -- biker witches, talking dog, his pet dragon (Yup, you read that right. The dog has a pet), griffins, country club members, a ghost, vengeful demon.... I think that covers it.

Doesn't that sound intriguing?

I thought so....... GET THE BOOK!



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MacRieve by Kresley Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As with all of KC books, you are in store for fantastic developed characters and plot. In the latest Immortals After Dark book, she once again keeps her readers on their toes because you know the two main characters are going to get together but it just seems impossible how.

Once you read the prologue, I have no doubt you'll know exactly what mystical creature Chloe evolves into during her awakening. However, I think the ending will come as a surprise to some.

Based off the epilogue, I'm 100% sure the next story in the series will be about Will's brother Munro aka HOT.....or was he HOTTER? :) Yup, his sneak peek already suggests him and his woman are in for several bumps in the road to happily ever after.



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Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Koldo's backstory is beyond horrific. To be physically and verbally abused by your parents, to crave their love but be denied - heartbreaking. After all he had to endure in his life, Koldo came close to letting his anger and revenge cloud his heart completely until Nicola entered his life and captured his heart, imprinting herself in his soul.

As we know from Gena's other stories, her female characters are not weak. Nicola's path took a surprising turn towards the end of the book and I know it will please many readers.

Now for those who are having Lords of the Underworld withdrawals, William of the Dark aka the Ever Randy does make a cameo appearance. The passage with him and Thane is short but highly entertaining.

The final pages of the story will definitely make the Lords fans happy. Oh Kane, I can't wait to dive into your story, The Darkest Craving. (July 30th, 2013)



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Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Like many of you, I've been waiting for Mira to grow up and watch her "story" unfold. For those who haven't checked out the Midnight Breed series, let me tell you about Mira's gift. She has a unique talent, eyes which foretell the future of the one gazing into them. Not everything seen is pleasant. This tale centers around one sneak peek that rocks the entire Breed family.

Friends will be betrayed. New enemies will be revealed. The biggest shocker of them all comes at the end of the book. Let me tell you, it is a whopper!


Folks, you won't be disappointed in this story. It's that damn good!



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